Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular medicine: "The preservation of good health and the treatment of disease by varying the concentrations in the human body of substances that are normally present in the body." Dr. Linus Pauling, on his concept of healthcare, which he termed orthomolecular medicine. Ortho is Greek for "correct" or "right"; orthomolecular medicine literally means the "correct molecule" or "right molecule" medicine.

One example: Dry skin and/or ear wax buildup being cured by utilizing orthomolecular medicine -- "correct molecule" or "right molecule" medicine:

For those who are sensitive to fish or seeking plant-based alternatives, omega 3 fats are available from plant sources such as algae (on which fish feed, and obtain high omega 3 fat levels), flax, chia, hemp, walnut, soybean, canola, pumpkin, purslane and perilla seed oils.

PubMed: The Origins of Orthomolecular Medicine. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, Steven Carter.

Video playlist: Jonathan Wright, MD, ND(Hon) and his team of healthcare practitioners discuss orthomolecular medicine, health optimization and healthcare innovations. E-newsletter, radio show, clinic, lab, blog.

Information on the Functions of Omega 3 Fats and Vitamin E

Known functions ("correct molecule" and "right molecule" known functions) of omega 3 fats (EPA, DHA and ALA) in human health:

Known functions of vitamin E in human health:

Additional Information on Orthomolecular Medicine

Full definition of orthomolecular medicine:

  • http://orthomolecular.org/library/definition/index.shtml
  • "Orthomolecules come first in medical diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of the safe and effective use of nutrients, enzymes, hormones, antigens, antibodies and other naturally occurring molecules is essential to assure a reasonable standard of care in medical practice. Orthomolecules have a low risk of toxicity. Pharmacological drugs always carry a higher risk and are therefore second choice if there is an orthomolecular alternative treatment."

Common myths about vitamins and minerals, and incidence of deficiency:

"Correct molecule" and "right molecule" healthcare:

"Orthomolecular medicine: The concept that optimal health could result from ensuring that the right molecules were present in the right amount in the body." Linus Pauling Biography, NIH, U.S. National Libraries of Medicine

"If we are going to stay as healthy for as we can for as long as we can, it's super simple: all we have to do is copy what nature does. What I'm saying is, if we have a certain machine, and it's broken, do we get parts for that machine? Or, do we get parts that don't fit the machine. Our bodies are made up of nature's molecules - proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and a whole lot of other natural stuff, but you know there isn't one molecule of a patent medicine, which is also called a drug. But, I prefer to call them what they are. Because you see, we cannot patent nature's molecules, by law. Therefore, if we're going to make megabucks, we have to patent something. So, what scientists are in the very bad habit of doing, and this has been going on for the last century, is taking a natural molecule, and changing it just a little bit so it isn't quite natural, and now we can patent (the molecule), and we can afford to pay los federales at the FDA 1.2 billion dollars, which is what Forbes magazine says it costs to get approval from FDA." Jonathan Wright, MD, (full speech).

Orthomolecular Medicine News and Information

Orthomolecular Hall of Fame Members

Orthomolecular Medicine Practitioners